23-March-2011

That the Senate:

o Notes the boycott of Israel instigated by Marrickville Council - the Global Boycott Divestments and Sanctions (GBDS) - banning any links with Israeli organisations or organisations that support Israel and prohibiting any academic, government, sporting or cultural exchanges with Israel.

o Notes letters from Marrickville Council to Members of Parliament asking them to support the GBDS.

o Notes reports of the intention of the Greens Marrickville Mayor Ms Fiona Byrne to seek to extend the boycott of Israel to the entire state of NSW.

o Acknowledges that Israel is a legitimate and democratic state and a good friend of Australia.

o Denounces the Israel boycott by Marrickville Council and condemns any expansion of it.